DownSyn Forum

naomid · Last edited by naomid on March 23 2010, 9:19 AM; edited 1 time in total

Callum will be 7 in a couple of weeks and we're looking at getting him some kind of hand held gadget.

So can someone tell me the pros and cos of PSP, Nintendo DS and iPod Touch?

I'm leaning towards iPod Touch so that he can have his music as well as play games, but then most of his friends have DS's...

help!

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kittycat3376 · Posted: March 08 2010, 10:40 AM Post subject:

The new DS coming out soon has a larger screen. I think it's called the DS XL. If Callum has any vision problems then waiting for that might be a better option.

ETA: Just checked...It's called the DSiXL, and it has already been released. It also has a larger stylus, which will make it much easier for kids with fine motor skill problems to use.

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DanielsMommy · Posted: March 08 2010, 4:04 PM Post subject:

My daughter is 7 and she got the Nintendo Ds for Christmas and she hasn't put it down since. I would definitly check out each one at the store and use them yourself to ensure it would be a good fit for Callum.

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CassiesMom · Posted: March 09 2010, 11:03 PM Post subject:

Cassie loves her DSi, but if we knew about the DSi XL we would have gotten that for her. The extra large screen would have been better on her eyes. She really loves the camera, and she uses it a lot. One downfall is that the games are so small and the stylus is little - and she often forgets to put them back where they belong, so we've nearly lost several.

We have an iPod Touch too, and she does like to play her music in the dock, but she also goes in and tries to download apps when we aren't looking. It seems there are more extras that she can get into and change, so she spends a lot of time poking around, unlike the DSi, which she uses for games and the camera.

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lespring · Posted: March 09 2010, 11:44 PM Post subject:

Well, keep in mind that the DS now has a pec system you can use with it!!! (don't know if Callum needs something like that, but if he does it's something to keep in mind! http://www.taptotalk.com/index.aspx

There is also the proloquo2go for the Itouch http://www.proloquo2go.com/ But I think, looking at the two, that the Tap to Talk has more adaptability than this one. I could be wrong though!

We have a DS and an Ipod touch. The Itouch is MUCH easier for Angela to use than the DS. The games for the DS get her more frustrated than anything. The Itouch I can download whatever apps I want! (and I have the lock on there so she can't download anything without me doing it for her. She can't get online without me doing it for her either.) I can get super easy, or whatever. It just seems there is more for Angela to do with the Itouch, and if she gets bored and I can catch someone's wifi, I can quick download something else in a matter of seconds!

I haven't tried the DSi yet. I don't think I'd get it for her. Between the two laptops, the Itouch and the DS, she has enough electronics! LOL

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briarsmom · Posted: March 22 2010, 10:35 AM Post subject:

if you get the ds or i believe even the ipod there are some software that you can get for you child (if the child is non verbal) and it can be used as a sort of talking touch thing. I know this makes no sence but a therapist where i work is using it with one of the kids and i really think it is neat. If you are intrested in more info I can get the therapist to tell me more or give me a site for you to look at.

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naomid · Posted: March 23 2010, 9:19 AM Post subject:

Just coming back to update here!

We went with the iTouch and he loves it! We've downloaded a few apps and he seems to really enjoy the educational games, Feed Me is the favourite. He's also got Shrek Karting and an art app that he likes.

We decided on the iTouch as he can listen to his music, watch his videos (we put some of our videos and a few episodes of his favourite TV programs) and play games.

We're very pleased with it and the touch screen interface is fantastic.

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Naomi
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momofrussell · Posted: March 23 2010, 12:20 PM Post subject:

Glad you figured it out and the Itouch is working well!

Just incase anyone else has the same question, the DSi and DSiXL BOTH have music capabilities. So you can listen to your own music on the DS Smile

Just waiting for the XL to release here in the states....got just a few more days and that is the one we are getting Russell for the Tap To Talk Smile

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mellysmom · Posted: March 23 2010, 5:25 PM Post subject:

I've never heard of the Tap to Talk before. That sounds great! I'm going to look into it for Melissa.

Michelle

mellysmom · Posted: March 23 2010, 5:27 PM Post subject:

Lori,

It would be nice to have the web site to look at.

Michelle

momofrussell · Posted: March 23 2010, 9:16 PM Post subject:

mellysmom, she may be talking about the Tap To Talk for the DS for one of them. Smile

A.

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